I am in Japan! So where do I find ponies?

[tebrighteyes]

Yep, I am in Japan for the next three years on a working visa.  Pretty much living out my dream.   I am in Saitama city so I can basically get anywhere I want in Tokyo.  Anyway I am going through pony withdraw and I wanted to know if there were some good places to find ponies.   I really have on idea.

I did hear Nakano was a good place to start.  I think that was where someone found a baby Takara.   But I would love any help!  Thanks for looking!

[kittybethy]

Congrats on your dream!

 I hope you can find some pony-collecting help!

[sweetstuff]

Lucky! 

I have no idea about ponies, but oh all the wonderful anime, Sanrio, and San-X stuff (not to mention the food).

[tebrighteyes]

Oh yes so much anime.  I do not think I have ever seen so much One Piece.   Thanks everyone!  I going to try to got to Nakano Saturday so hopefully I will find something. 

[Wadatsumi]

you know, i love animes, mangas, japanese music and video games - but i would feel so lost living in japan!
just the speaking barrier would be so hard plus: the japanese people are not very comfortable with any foreigners.....
you are very brave!
wish you the best luck and that you find many takaras!!!

[princessluna11706]

Welcome to Japan!  I lived in Tokyo for a year, so I know a couple places in Tokyo to find ponies, though they're not all that cheap ;  Pm me if you want

[ochibawolf]

Oh! I like this thread! I'll be in Japan for two weeks this August, so I'll find this info helpful as well!
I heard Mandarake gets ponies in from time to time.

[TheBeatlesPkmnFan42]

In the 80s they had Takara MLPs. Maybe you'll get lucky and find them in thrift stores.

[xkelpiex]

Going to Japan is my DREAM ;A;

[AnnaPommes]

congactulations!

i wish you good luck finding them! but does japan has thrift stores? O.O never heard about it but i also never been there.

[Appleseed]

Wow, so cool! Does Japan have G4s yet? In any case, good luck! Have fun there, I've always wanted to visit Japan

[TheBeatlesPkmnFan42]

Going to Japan is my DREAM ;A;

Same. I'm learning Japanese at school, and I kinda want to move there. It is crowded though. Especially Tokyo.

[Dragonflitter]

I was in Japan (Tokyo specifically) for 2 1/2 weeks in 2006, the height of the G3 craze in the US (and other countries).

After extensive looking at toy stores for those two weeks and not finding a single pony, it was my conclusion that Japanese toy stores do not carry MLP as a rule.

Like someone mentioned, you might find some Takara or G1's in used toy stores, but don't get your hopes up at finding any G4's. I don't think MLP is a 'thing' in Japan like it is in the US and European countries.

Edit: I did find one bait-condition G1 Braided Beauty in a mall that sold retro toys. The price tag said the equivalent of $50 US! 0_0 (I wish I had brought my extra ponies to sell when I saw that!)

[princessluna11706]

I was in Japan (Tokyo specifically) for 2 1/2 weeks in 2006, the height of the G3 craze in the US (and other countries).

After extensive looking at toy stores for those two weeks and not finding a single pony, it was my conclusion that Japanese toy stores do not carry MLP as a rule.

Like someone mentioned, you might find some Takara or G1's in used toy stores, but don't get your hopes up at finding any G4's. I don't think MLP is a 'thing' in Japan like it is in the US and European countries.

Edit: I did find one bait-condition G1 Braided Beauty in a mall that sold retro toys. The price tag said the equivalent of $50 US! 0_0 (I wish I had brought my extra ponies to sell when I saw that!)

This.  I've been here two years, and
1) there are no new ponies sold here with the exception of seeing G3s in Nakano in Tokyo and in one place in Kyoto, but they were specially imported,
2) You can find G1s and other vintage toys in a few shops that I do know about, but they are quite pricey (though I did luckily score some rares for a decent price)  I did ask one shop, and they do not buy from individual sellers.  They actually told me that they send people to US and other countries for the summer to scour their flea markets!  No wonder we can't find ponies at flea markets at home, we have international competition that are *paid* to find things before us!

Back in 2003 when I visited (I have family here, that's why I'm also here now) Jun Planning had a G1/G2 line of keychains and phone straps that were Japan only, but they don't make those anymore.  That's too bad, because I loved them!
Also, there are no thrift stores in Japan.  In their culture, they either throw or give away things that are unwanted..for the most part.  Recycle shops have become popular as of late, but they aren't as cheap, and I haven't found any ponies   No Takaras, and I've searched MANY areas in the country!  Not to say it's impossible, but very, very hard.  Good luck to anyone though!

*edit* and yes, I have not found one G4..

*end of rant* lol

[June]

omedetou gozaimasu! 
And good luck!

I'm afraid I won't be able write anything useful... 

Oh, yeah, 2nd hand shops aren't popular because of shinto tradition, I believe...